Class 8 surge, trailer slump complicates trucking recovery narrative

Commercial transportation data entered the second quarter of 2026 points in two different directions.

Orders for Class 8 vehicles, such as heavy-duty commercial trucks used in long-haul freight, increased sharply during the first four months of the year, according to both ACT Research and FTR Intelligence, while trailer demand remained comparatively restrained despite many of the same freight market discussions surrounding the broader commercial transportation sector.

Nicholas Bell

Nicholas brings over half a decade of experience covering metals markets, pricing trends, and supply chain dynamics. Prior to joining AMU, he reported on aluminum, high-temperature scrap, and ferro-alloy markets at Argus Media, with additional coverage of minor metals and rare earths. His work has built deep expertise in North American metals pricing and trade flows. A native of Houston, Nicholas holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Production and an MBA with a concentration in Finance, both from the University of Houston.